ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Off the ball 'punches' being called out by fans following All Blacks vs Springbok match

BY Jack Tunney  ·  Tuesday Aug 29, 2023

It was an aggressive and physical affair at Twickenham on Friday, with the Springboks dismantling an All Blacks side, shell-shocked for the first time in a long time.

ADVERTISEMENT

A crowd of over 80,000 gathered at the iconic English rugby venue to witness the monumental showdown between long-standing rivals, South Africa and New Zealand. Both teams fielded their strongest lineups, creating a heavyweight clash that will be remembered as the largest significant Springbok victories over the All Blacks, ending in a remarkable 7-35 score.

This historic record-breaking defeat surpassed the record established 24 years ago in 1999 when they suffered a 21-point loss to Australia.

The talk following the game, besides the incredible victory, was about Scott Barrett’s reckless second-yellow card which caused the All Blacks to see the game out with 14-men, with just over half the game to play.

Barrett’s fate has since been decided by an independent disciplinary panel as they determined that he face no further punishment – a decision that has perplexed some supporters considering the bans that both England players Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola have received for similar hits, as well as Tonga’s George Moala who is currently sitting on the sidelines with a 5-match ban.

Fans have been pointing out on Twitter the on-field reaction of the Springbok players to Barrett’s hit, with ‘Frank’ asking if what appeared to be three punches to the back of the head was deemed “fine”.

The reaction to the video was measured, with fans calling for this action to be looked at as well. Wellington Sports Guy said: “I understand the anger at Barrett’s challenge it was mindless, unnecessary and dangerous. If we’re serious about protecting the head we have to punish these, but it’s also not ok for a player to hit him in the back of the head multiple times because he’s pissed at the challenge.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Backed up by Progressive Rugby, a brand focused on protecting the welfare of rugby players, they added: “No, it absolutely isn’t.” to the question if it was fine.

Focusing on the match after the game, All Blacks coach Ian Foster said, “You couldn’t help but be impressed with what they did, they really got stuck into us,

“Their physicality and their set-piece was superb and they had a massive game at scrum and line-out time. That was a big difference.”

“I think both teams needed that game, we certainly did,” added Foster. “We lost the cohesion when we were put under pressure, but I thought our defence in the first 20 minutes was outstanding and if we had more discipline in key areas we could have counter-punched.”

Player of the Match, Damian Willemse told Sky Sports, “It was a very good start for us, a great performance by the team, this will give us some momentum going into the Rugby World Cup. I am the man of the match, but credit to the forwards, they put in a hell of a shift.”

Related Articles

  • 37 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji Drua player Lomani slapped with ban...

  • 46 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations...

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 14 HOURS AGO

    Springbok star scores screamer on debut for Sagamihara Dynaboars

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Bears fly as 100 metre finish already touted as try of the season

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Hassell-Collins pounces on HUGE Sharks mistake in chaotic scenes

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

View All

Funnies

  • 1 DAY AGO

    'A dog with a mallet up its arse could’ve written Johnny’s book' Donnacha O'Callaghan

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

View All

Amateur

  • 102 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 102 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 125 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 125 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 125 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

View All